Transform Campus Relationships

Transform Workplace Relationships

Transform International Relationships

• WHAT IS SUSTAINED DIALOGUE? •

The Sustained Dialogue Institute helps people to transform conflictual relationships and design change processes around the world. We define dialogue as “listening deeply enough to be changed by what you learn.”

• OUR WORK •

SDI works to improve community capacity to engage differences as strengths while helping people move from dialogue to action.

Hold a Training

SDI provides workshops and educational trainings tailored to your institution’s needs. Hold a training in your workplace, community organization, nonprofit, or college or university.

Establish a Program

We work in a sustained way with a variety of institutions, civic organizations, and workplaces to provide ongoing technical support toward the most inclusive, creative community possible.

• RECENT NEWS •

Check out this article about Beloit College’s hiring of Sarah Tweedale to take their Sustained Dialogue program to the “next level”! Also included is a video about the impacts of Sustained Dialogue at Beloit.

The National Dialogue Awards, administered by SDI, recognize the work of those whose lives embody the principles and values of true dialogue, reconciliation, and peace. This event serves to honor the awardees and celebrate the role of dialogue in transforming national and global conflicts. This year the event will take place on Friday, October 9th in Washington, DC.

All SDI Board Members, Supporters, and Alumni are invited to join us for an evening of good food and excellent company at President Mark Farr’s home in Silver Spring, Maryland on July 26th. This event will serve as an opportunity to network and financially support the mission of SDI.

• TESTIMONIALS •

“I believe that implementation of SD enabled members of my campus to come together as a close-knit family, instead of strangers. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that embodies such diversity, acceptance, and honesty. This is how to make large-scale societal change in the ways we interact.”

LaForce Baker, Denison University

“SDI was wonderful to work with from start to finish. They took the prep time to fully understand our Fellows and the training participants. The training was comprehensive, interesting and in tune with the needs of our Fellows. We very much look forward to continuing to build the capacity of Atlas Corps with our Fellows through their well-executed trainings.”

Sara Potler, U.S. Program Director, Atlas Service Corps, Inc.

“I use the skills I learned through SD constantly when communicating with clients and colleagues. Being able to check biases & assumptions and open our hearts to the point where we truly empathize and understand where others are coming from is the deeply enriching gift of SD. It is also necessary for the health of our communities and society as a whole.”

Jacqueline Switzer, consultant and Workplace Programs Manager at the Level Playing Field Institute.

“My involvement leading SD was inspiring. I learned the importance of individuals’ experience in shaping their worldview, the value of listening, the necessity of being open to personal change, and the need to respect the complex intersections of people’s identities. SD has been instrumental in shaping my commitment to issues of social equality.”

“I was trained for Sustained Dialogue at NU in 2013. I recently used the SD model to lead a workshop where the group challenged social norms of masculinity with an audience of majority men. One participant at the end of the workshop asked how I came up with my questions and, honestly, all I could say was SD and everything it taught me. Thank you for the amazing training 2 years ago that I still use.”

Billy Choo, Northwestern University

“Turning the Page worked with SDI on “Building Authentic Relationships Across Difference” to equip us with skills and language to engage effectively with our partner schools and communities. We have used the practices in our community workshops and leadership activities to maintain that space between parents and teachers and school leaders. We enjoyed the training so much for our new AmeriCorps members.”

Ellie Canter, Turning the Page

“I believe that implementation of SD enabled members of my campus to come together as a close-knit family, instead of strangers. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that embodies such diversity, acceptance, and honesty. This is how to make large-scale societal change in the ways we interact.”